#1807 (12/25) CHRISTMAS: "It's Not about the Manger - CHRISTMAS AND THE INCARNATION"

"God's love is too much for Him to leave us alone." 

- Max Lucado

"It's Not about the Manger - CHRISTMAS AND THE INCARNATION" -  By: Chuck Colson|Breakpoint.org: Dec. 25, 2009; http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/breakpoint-commentaries-archive/entry/13/13916

[AS I SEE IT: When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us always remember that THAT day is not when God entered the world. At the first CHRISTmas, the Son of God had already been with us for around 9 months. The moment he was conceived in Mary's womb, the unborn child was here; he just had not been birth. Similarly, EVERY unborn child is already here with us and their parents are already parents! So, don't let those who support abortion tell you that the  unborn child is not "human" or of value until birth. From conception, EVERY child is alive 
and precious! - Stan]

 The manger scene inspires a sense of awe and comfort to the hearts of Christians everywhere. But we often forget the staggering implications of Christmas.

What image does the mention of Christmas typically conjure up? For most of us, it is a babe lying in a manger while Mary and Joseph, angels, and assorted animals look on. Heartwarming picture, but Christmas is about far more than a Child’s birth—even the Savior’s birth. It is about the Incarnation: God Himself, Creator of heaven and earth, invading planet earth, becoming flesh and dwelling among us.

It is a staggering thought. Think of it: The Word—that is, Logos in the Greek, which meant all the knowledge that could be known—the plan of creation—that is, ultimate reality—becomes mere man? And that He was not born of an earthly king and queen, but of a virgin of a backwater village named Nazareth? Certainly God delights in confounding worldly wisdom—and human expectations.

Thirty years after His humble birth, Jesus increased the Jews’ befuddlement when He read from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor...to proclaim release to the captives...to set free those who are downtrodden...” Jesus then turned the scroll back and announced, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” In effect, the carpenter’s Son had just announced that He was the King.

So yes, the birth of Jesus is a glorious moment, and the manger scene brings comfort and joy and Christmas cheer. But it should also inspire a holy terror in us—that this baby is God incarnate, the King who came to set the captives free, through His violent, bloody death on the cross as atonement for us, His unworthy subjects.

It is through the Incarnation God sets His grand plan in motion. He invades planet earth, establishing His reign through Christ’s earthly ministry. And then Christ leaves behind an occupying force, His Church, which is to carry on the work of redemption until His return and the kingdom’s final triumph.

Do we get this? I am afraid most of us are so preoccupied, distracted by last-minute Christmas shopping and consumerism, that we fail to see God’s cosmic plan of redemption in which we, as fallen creatures, are directly involved. The average Christian may not “get” this announcement, but those locked behind bars do. Whenever I preach in the prisons, and I read Christ’s inaugural sermon, Luke 4:18, and when I quote His promise of freedom for prisoners, they often raise their arms and cheer. The message of Jesus means freedom and victory for those who once had no hope. They are not distracted by the encumbrance of wealth and comfort.

People in the developing world get it, too. Whenever I have shared this message with the poor and oppressed people overseas, I see eyes brightening. Stripped of all material blessings, exploited by earthly powers, they long for the bold new kingdom of Christ.

Today is Christmas. Go ahead and enjoy singing about, and celebrating, the birth of the Savior. Set up a manger scene in your home. But do not forget this earth-shaking truth: The birth of the Baby in the manger was the thrilling signal that God had invaded the planet. And that gives us the real reason to celebrate Christmas.

[bold, italics, and colored emphasis mine]

"Mary and Joseph Could Have Aborted Their Role, But They Trusted God Instead." - Ryan Bomberger, DEC 23, 2016 | http://www.lifenews.com/2016/12/23/mary-and-joseph-could-have-aborted-when-facing-an-unplanned-pregnancy-but-they-trusted-god/

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING!

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn king"Peace on earth, and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn king"
Christ, by highest heaven adored
Christ the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold him come
Offspring of the favored one
Veiled in flesh, the God had seen
Hail the incarnate deity
Pleased, as man with men to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn king"

Hail the heaven born prince of peace
Hail the son of righteousness
Light and life to all he brings
Risen with healing in his wings
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn king"